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Our first visit to Aira Force was just as Lockdown 1.0 measures began to ease, and we were able to travel a bit further afield for days out. If you're looking for places to explore in the Lake District, this is a spot I highly recommended! Read on to discover all about this walk, complete with photos from the different visits we've made first with 3 and now with 4 children in tow.

The family are standing in front of a metal fence with Aira Force in the background. Naomi has her son on her hip and John has their baby daughter in a blank sling on his front.

About Aira Force

The waterfall

That's the main reason you would visit, right? It's beautiful whatever the season. In 2020 we saw it flowing a little slow as we had a dry spell before we visited. Our 2022 visit had us see it in all its cascading glory as the rain had filled the beck and the amount of water coming down Aira Force was spectacular.

Aira Force cascades down the centre of the image. The bridge over the top of the falls can be seen and the mud and rock banks to either side have a lot of grass, moss, ferns and more growing. Tall trees can be seen growing around the waterfall.

Aira Beck

At the base of the hill you will walk alongside the Aira Beck which Aira Force feeds into. It's beautiful and clear at this time of year, with loads of spots to sit and enjoy it, and listen to the movement of the water.

Where can I park?

We parked in the main National Trust car park just off the A592. It does get super busy as peak times, so to guarantee a space, arrive early.

To find the car park, use this post code: CA11 0JS.

If you are a NT member, you will need to scan your membership card in order to park for free. If you need to pay and display, you can pay with cash or card.

N.B. There are two smaller car parks available near the top of Aira Force. Details can be found in the main car park if you need to use them instead.

Naomi is sitting on a bench on the route around Aira Force, with her baby son in a blue sling on her front and an arm around each of her older daughters who are sitting next to her. Grass, ferns and trees can be seen in the background.

How far is the walk?

The walk itself is a mile long and takes around an hour to complete. As they currently only allow you to park for 2 hours, you have plenty of time to do the walk, stop for snacks on one of the many benches along the route and enjoy all the beauty Aira Force has to offer.

What's available at Aira Force?

Plenty of photo opportunities

If you want a pretty picture of your family there is no shortage of spots along the walk to take some beautiful photos. From bridges over the Aira Beck, to rhododendron tunnels, to the waterfall itself you'll be able to take some stunning shots.

For even better results, why not invest in a bluetooth selfie stick tripod† to use with your phone?

Naomi is holding a selfie stick smiling at the camera with John next to her, the two older girls in the middle and baby son in a sling on her front. In the background is a rocky area with Aira Force cascading through the middle.

Places to take a break

Hands up if you've been on a walk with your children and had them moan their legs are tired or they want a snack. There are benches all along the walk route, giving you plenty of opportunity to rest and snack on route to checking out the waterfall or heading back to the car park.

N.B. If you take snacks or a picnic, please take your rubbish away with you. Always leave the area as you would expect to find it.

A small play area

On our first visit this area was roped off, but now it's able to be used and the children loved it. It's not a huge playground by any means, but with a few carved out tree trunk shapes and a little obstacle course it's enough to keep them occupied for a short while at least.

Munchkin is smiling at the camera while sitting in a wooden trunk calved into a shape of a train at Aira Force.

FAQs about our family days out

Is it suitable for children?

The walk is made up of a mixture of stepped and level pathways and is not suitable for pushchairs. Make sure young children are well supervised as you'll find steep drops to one side of the path in places.

Squidgy and Pickle are sitting on the wall of the bridge overlooking Aira Beck. They are turning round to face the camera and smiling with the woodland trees and more in the background.

When we visited in 2020, Squidgy (6) and Pickle (3) managed really well. In 2022, we took Munchkin (2) in his walking boots and he loved every second. The circular walks are not accessible, however, so you will need to take a sling for babies and the route is not wheelchair friendly.

Are there facilities available?

Yes! The toilets are near the entrance to the main car park. The couple of times we've been I haven’t noticed any baby changing areas. I have always used a travel changing mat flat in the boot instead.

There is a signpost in the centre of the image showing the direction to go for the tea room, Aira Force, toilets, car park, the pier and Glenridding.

Is there anywhere to eat nearby?

We tend to bring a picnic with us on days out, but if you fancy dropping in for a cuppa, or grabbing a snack they do have a small tea room available. I should note that the tea room is only open Thursday - Sunday (10am - 3:30pm) and shut Monday - Wednesday.

Bridge at the bottom of Aira Force with the steps for the circular walk to the right of the image and the Beck running under the bridge.

Can I buy a souvenir?

The little National Trust shop is perfect if you want to grab a little magnet, pen or other gift to remember your visit. The staff are friendly too, and they offer activity sheets for children so don't be afraid to speak to a member of the team to see what is available.

John and the two older girls are looking at the map of Aira Force which is hung on the side of a wooden hut with green trees in the background.

We absolutely love it at Aira Force, and since moving to the new house this area along with Ullswater is our closest Lake District spot to enjoy. I’m so pleased that the children love it as much as we do and can't wait to head and explore it again soon.

For more blog posts about exploring the beautiful places we have on our Cumbrian doorstep check out my Lake District category here. Have you found somewhere free and amazing in the Lake District? We love to explore new spots, so feel free to share in the comments below.